Chinese Name: 灵剑尊

Author: Yun Tian Kong (云天空)

Overview: Spirit Sword Sovereign (灵剑尊, Ling Jian Zun), authored by Yun Tian Kong (云天空), is a fantasy novel that began serialization on Qidian in 2012 and concluded with over 5,400 chapters, totaling approximately 12 million words. Adapted into a donghua (Chinese animation) by Soyep and Tencent, it premiered on Tencent Video on May 25, 2019, and has surpassed 500 episodes as of March 20, 2025. The story follows Chu Xingyun—a peak cultivator betrayed and reborn into his youth—rising from a crippled young master to a Supreme Sovereign dominating the Three Realms. The work stands out for its detailed cultivation system, a satisfying爽文 (satisfying novel) style with revenge elements, and a popular donghua adaptation praised for stunning visuals and engaging pacing.

Summary: Chu Xingyun, once a top-tier powerhouse, is betrayed and killed by his sworn brother. Through a stroke of fate, he reincarnates into his teenage years as the crippled young master of the Chu family in Xifeng City. Armed with memories of his past life, he vows to exact revenge and rectify his regrets. With the aid of Shui Liuxiang—a mysterious female lead—and a mystical “Spirit Sword,” Chu Xingyun overcomes countless trials: clashing with rival clans, conquering secret realms, and facing formidable foes across the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth, Human). From Xifeng City, he ascends to dominate the continent, reaching the Supreme realm, wielding a single sword to dictate the heavens and becoming an undefeated legend.

Review: Spirit Sword Sovereign by Yun Tian Kong is a standout fantasy novel in the爽文 (satisfying) genre, embodying the classic “rebirth and revenge” trope but elevated by a detailed cultivation system and gripping storytelling. Chu Xingyun is an ideal protagonist: from a despised cripple to a Supreme Sovereign, his logical growth is propelled by unwavering resolve and sword mastery, captivating readers and viewers alike. The author’s smooth style and brisk pacing blend intense action with tense strategic battles, vividly brought to life in the donghua with stunning visuals and sound. The Three Realms setting, spanning the Human to Heaven Realms, delivers an epic sense of adventure. Its strength lies in a clear, accessible cultivation hierarchy and Chu Xingyun’s creative use of the Spirit Sword to triumph over foes. However, the plot occasionally repeats familiar “face-slapping” moments, and supporting characters like Shui Liuxiang lack depth, with the story heavily centered on Chu Xingyun. Still, with over 5,400 novel chapters and 500+ donghua episodes maintaining its allure, Spirit Sword Sovereign excels as top-tier entertainment, sparking reflections on perseverance through adversity and the pursuit of greatness in a challenging world.

Cultivation Realms: Body Tempering, Spirit Gathering, Earth Spirit, Heaven Spirit, Yin-Yang, Nirvana, Martial Emperor, Sovereign Emperor, Heavenly Emperor, Heavenly Sovereign

Main Character

Chu Xingyun: A resilient, clever youth rising from “waste” to Supreme Sovereign through willpower and the chance of rebirth.

Shui Liuxiang: A mysterious female lead, a key companion in Chu Xingyun’s journey.